Hong Kong and Singapore to create air travel bubble |
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Hong Kong and Singapore have reached a milestone agreement to establish a bilateral Air Travel Bubble (ATB), with a view to revive air travel between the two aviation hubs, in a safe and progressive way. Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Edward Yau outlined details of the agreement at a media session (Oct 15). Under the agreement, ATB travelers will be subject to mutually recognized COVID-19 tests and need to have negative test results. Travelers under the ATB will not be subject to any quarantine or Stay-Home Notice requirements or a controlled itinerary upon arrival. They will travel on dedicated flights, with no transit passengers or non-ATB travelers on board. “It is an important milestone today that we have reached an agreement with the Singapore side to proceed with this framework,” said Mr Yau, adding that both governments are committed to fleshing out the full details of the agreement in the coming weeks.
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ADMINISTRATION & CIVIC AFFAIRS |
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Strong objection to US’s “Made in China” label demand |
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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government expressed its strong objection to the revised origin marking of Hong Kong products imposed by the US at the General Council Meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva (Oct 13). In September, the HKSAR Government formally took issue with the US Government over the latter’s new requirement, requesting for the US to withdraw such measure with immediate effect. As the US has not withdrawn the measure, the HKSAR is taking action in accordance with the WTO Dispute Settlement Mechanism. Separately, the HKSAR Government strongly opposed (Oct 15) the US Secretary of State’s report under the Hong Kong Autonomy Act. The HKSAR Government disagreed with the comments in the report in relation to the National Security Law, reiterating that the enactment of this law is both timely and necessary to uphold the principle of “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong.
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Smart ID replacement set for residents born in 1970 - 1972 |
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Hong Kong residents born in 1970, 1971 or 1972 should apply for a new smart identity card at a Smart Identity Card Replacement Centre from Nov 2 to Apr 30 next year. Bookings can be made online, on the Immigration Department’s mobile application or by calling the 24-hour hotline at +852-2121-1234. The department said those who have not applied should do so as early as possible to avoid a last-minute rush. Residents who are absent from Hong Kong during their call-up period can apply within 30 days of their return to the city.
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Hong Kong @WRLDCTY Festival |
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Hong Kong, joining over a dozen other leading international cities including New York, Los Angeles, Toronto and London, will co-host the first WRLDCTY Virtual Festival (Oct 22-24) to explore the prospects for urban culture and innovation in the “new normal”. As a founding host city of this three-day festival, Hong Kong will feature a strong line-up of speakers who will delve into topics and share the city’s experience as Asia’s leading business and finance hub and its anti-epidemic innovation; as a vibrant tourism destination; and as a city with a great lifestyle that celebrates the arts and culture. The full program from Hong Kong can be found here.
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Online art platform launches |
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Hong Kong’s Leisure & Cultural Services Department launched (Oct 16) ReNew Vision, a platform showcasing newly commissioned online works by renowned local and overseas artists. In place of the 2020 New Vision Arts Festival which was cancelled due to the global pandemic, ReNew Vision sets out to inspire with a compelling selection of innovative and cutting-edge cross-disciplinary collaborations. Currently online is All Begins with a Word from new media artist Hung Keung, who employs interactive techniques, video, sound, animation and dance to let audiences re-experience the unique rhythms of poetry. Upcoming programs include the works of veteran music producers Chiu Tsang-hei and Kung Chi-shing. Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning ensemble Theatre of Voices from Denmark, appearing via hologram, will join forces with the Hong Kong Children's Choir and cross-disciplinary artists in this 360-degree virtual journey.
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The value of Hong Kong's total exports and imports of goods in August both recorded year-on-year decreases, at 1.2% and 4.5% respectively. Total export volume to the US fell by 13.4%, with total export prices down 0.9%.
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Hong Kong and its Basic Law |
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The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the HKSAR. Put into effect on July 1, 1997, it enshrines within a legal document the important concept of “One Country, Two Systems”.
Q: Does the HKSAR Government have complete control over fiscal and economic policies and safeguard the free movement of goods, assets and capital?
A: The HKSAR Government formulates its own economic policies; manages its finances independently; prepares its own budgets; issues its own freely convertible currency; practices an independent taxation system; keeps its low and simple tax regime; formulates its own monetary and financial policies; safeguards the free flow of capital; maintains the status of a free port; pursues a policy of free trade and protects the free movement of goods, intangible assets and capital. (BL Articles 62; 106-119)
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